Richie Sambora, the former guitarist of the iconic rock band Bon Jovi, is transitioning from rockstar to proud father as he prepares for his daughter Ava Sambora’s wedding. The much-anticipated event is set to take place later this month, and Sambora, 66, has shared his insights regarding this significant milestone in his daughter’s life.
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Sambora, who shares 28-year-old Ava with ex-wife Heather Locklear, expressed his approval of her fiancé, Tyler Farrar. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, he described Farrar—whom Ava met during their college years—as a “shoo-in,” praising him as “a gentleman” and “honest.” The relationship appears to have the full backing of both families, further solidifying the couple’s future together.
Planning the wedding has been an exciting yet challenging experience for Sambora, who admits his ideas have not always hit the mark with Ava. Nevertheless, he will have a special moment during the celebration as the two take to the dance floor. Sambora revealed that they will be dancing to a unique song he composed for her, titled “I’ll Always Walk Beside You.” “She picked it,” he noted fondly, reflecting on her qualities as a daughter: “She was such a great kid, so I lucked out.”
While the former rocker might be inclined to grab the mic on the wedding day, he is uncertain about performing. “I don’t know,” he said with a hint of hesitation. Instead, his contributions to the celebration include negotiating with the hotel venue to ensure everything is in order. “That’s all I did, really,” he remarked. “It’s their day; they get to do what they want to do. I’m lucky enough to be able to provide it.”
Richie Sambora was seen basking in the limelight at the Kentucky Derby shortly after his gala performance at the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala in Louisville. He entertained an enthusiastic crowd, stating, “We blew the roof off the place,” and noting that he felt invigorated and could have played for hours. The guitarist has bounced back admirably after suffering a hand injury, demonstrating his enduring passion for live performance.
The recent Kentucky Derby, which marked its 152nd edition, drew over 150,000 attendees, including some notable celebrities. Among the crowd were household names such as *NSYNC’s Lance Bass and Joey Fatone, NFL star Joe Burrow, and Olympian Lolo Jones. Cherie DeVaux also made history by becoming the first woman to train a winning horse at the Derby, bringing extra excitement to the day.
Actively participating in the Derby festivities were five lucky Verizon customers and their guests, who secured an all-expenses-paid trip courtesy of the Verizon Access rewards programme. This initiative provides customers with an opportunity to win exciting trips to concerts and sporting events, including the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
As the wedding draws closer, Richie Sambora’s reflections demonstrate his deep commitment to Ava and his role as a father. Although his rockstar days are firmly rooted in the past, his pride and joy in his daughter’s accomplishments shine through. As Samantha prepares to embark on her new journey with Tyler Farrar, Sambora stands ready to support her on this joyous occasion, embodying the essence of a devoted father amid all the festivities.